Heart failure – Congestive heart failure – Congestive heart failure – Left ventricular dysfunction – Left ventricular failure
Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure; Chronic Heart Failure; Left Ventricular Dysfunction; Left Ventricular Failure)
Description heart failure
In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump the amount of blood the body needs. This causes the blood in the veins stay. Depending on, what part of the heart to pump blood affects the, this may lead to excess fluid accumulation in the lungs, legs and elsewhere organism. Heart failure may worsen with time, which may necessitate the use for the treatment of a large number of procedures. Concerning, doctors try to heal as quickly as possible heart failure, to try to prevent the deterioration of the body.
Causes of heart failure
The main causes of heart failure are:
- Coronary artery disease;
- Heart attack.
Other common causes:
- Problems with the heart valves due to some disease:
- Revmokardit;
- Bacterial endocarditis;
- Congenital heart defects;
- Calcium deposits from atherosclerosis;
- High blood pressure;
- Diabetes.
Less common causes of heart failure:
- Cardiomyopathy – weakening and damage to the heart muscle (for various reasons);
- Taking certain medications;
- Cardiac arrhythmias, arrhythmia;
- Hyperthyroidism – overactive thyroid;
- Amiloidoz;
- Renal failure and / or liver failure;
- Thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B1).
Risk factors for heart failure
Factors, which can cause heart failure include:
- Advanced age;
- Obesity;
- Excessive intake of salt and fat;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Paul: male;
- Smoking;
- Pregnancy;
- Heat;
- Severe infection;
- Chronic lung disease - emphysema;
- Chemotherapy.
Symptoms of heart failure
Symptoms of heart failure include:
- Breathlessness;
- Unexplained weight gain;
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or feet;
- Fatigue, weakness;
- Crepitation;
- Cough – It may be dry or moist, with the release of the pink, frothy sputum;
- Frequent urination, especially at night;
- Abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of heart failure
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Will the analysis of body fluids, Why apply:
- Blood tests;
- Urine.
Running Heart Study, for which the following procedures:
- Electrocardiogram;
- Echocardiogram;
- Stress test;
- Nuclear scanning;
- Coronary angiography.
Treatment of heart failure
Treatment of the disease, causing symptoms of heart failure
Heart failure can be caused by another disorder. His treatment should reduce the symptoms of heart failure or prevent its degradation.
Lifestyle changes in heart failure
Some lifestyle changes can help in the treatment of heart failure symptoms and slow its development:
- Avoid alcohol;
- If you smoke, to throw;
- If necessary, you need to lose weight;
- Eat a healthy diet. The diet should be low in fat and high in fiber;
- In some cases, perhaps, We need to limit the intake of salt and fluids;
- Start under the guidance of a doctor exercise program. Aerobic exercise will help improve the level of physical activity and quality of life. You must do the exercises for 20-30 minutes at least five times a week. Talk to your doctor, before you start an exercise program;
- Weigh yourself every morning. This allows you to quickly detect fluid retention. Tell your doctor, if the weight is increased by 1,5 kilograms or more per day, 2,5 or more kilograms per week. The best time to weigh – before breakfast and after urinating. You must be weighed without shoes, with minimal or constant at each weight weighing clothing.
Medications for the treatment of heart failure
Doctor, probably, prescribe a combination of drugs, such as:
- Angiotensin-prevrashtayushtiy ferment (ACE) or an alternative for the expansion of the blood vessels;
- Digoxin, also called digitalis glycosides, to help improve heart;
- Beta Blockers, to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure;
- Diuretics, to remove excess fluid from the body;
- Nitrates, for the expansion of the blood vessels.
Also can be assigned to other drugs:
- Blood thinners, such as aspirin, warfarin;
- Medications to reduce pain in the chest, such as nitroglycerin;
- Medications to control blood cholesterol;
- Medications to control high blood pressure.
When heart failure progresses, you may need medical equipment, to help the heart pump blood. If you have heart failure, Follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention of heart failure
The best way to prevent heart failure – reduce the risk or treat the disease, cause it, such as:
- Coronary artery disease;
- High blood pressure;
- Diabetes.
Some steps can help reduce the risk of heart failure:
- Begin to exercise with the advice of a doctor;
- We need to quit smoking;
- Limit your alcohol intake;
- It is necessary to lose weight, if necessary. After reducing the need to maintain a healthy weight;
- Eat a healthy diet. DPG diet (DASH), in particular, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, especially in women. DASH диета:
- Rich fruit, vegetables and dairy products low in fat;
- Low in saturated fat, fat and cholesterol;
- Eat breakfast dishes from whole grains. This may reduce the risk of heart failure.
